Is anyone watching Gordon Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares? I saw a few episodes of this in England this past summer, and now he is doing an American version. I know he has a foul mouth and a violent temper. I've never watched Hell's Kitchen cause watching a grown man yell at and demean people and throw pots and pans isn't my idea of entertainment. But so far he has been absolutely spot on with his observations and criticisms of some of the American eating establishments he has visited and turned around. He seems very perceptive about the weak spots at each restaurant and knows exactly who to point the finger at!

Hey, I can swear with the best of you, although I rarely do. Raising a bunch of boys after their father died taught me the value of 'holding my tongue', as it were. Once in a blue moon, when I'd had enough and really let loose, the effect was electrifying. Just as sherrmann described, my sons' friends still talk in hushed and awed tones about the time "Miz B told Jason to take his sorry azz and all his chit out of her house and never, ever bring his effing scumbag self back". They were in such a state of shock, they barely said a word for 2 days afterwards. rofl Okay, not exactly the language my mother taught me. But I caught Jason with dope, so Southern manners were the least of my concerns, right? I'm just fine with 'salty' language, as long as nobody is around who would be offended. For instance, I'd never insult my 90-year-old great aunt by using words that would upset her. (You may call that hypocrisy. I call it courtesy.) What I'm not okay with, under any circumstances, is crude language. And the word "snot" is painfully crude, particularly when used to describe food. Turns my stomach (and I don't have a weak one!) sm P.S. And I have to add that comparing Julia Child's voice to coarse language is THE most ridiculous 'strawman' evah!!!

Sol, I agree, Jeffrey Steingarten ought to be skewered with....something. He's obnoxious AND rude. I did laugh about the Deen boys and Paula, she's become almost a caricature, I get the feeling she's channeling Dolly Parton! And I've always wondered why Ina only lunches with good looking gay guys. I like her low key personality and most of her recipes but you'll never convince me that anyone is going to take all those palm trees and flowers out onto a beach where the wind is blowing about 30 MPH and set them up for a lovely lunch. (grin) Or that there isn't any sand in those burgers.... I love Nigella, though, she's not afraid to go on camera in her pajamas eating a bite of cold pork chop right from the fridge. Kind of like my house, although my boobs aren't insured. LOL Annie

I was rooting for Reggie, but I think Guy did do a little better job in his pilot demo. I saw the pilot demos again last night and lagatella was right -- he did address the audience as girls!!! How did I miss that, and what was he thinking??? They were both very worthy and I'd watch both of them if they had their own shows. I was surprised to see he will have a contract of only 6 episodes, but I guess that's to give it a trial run and see how it goes. If he does a lot of calimari and other things like that that I don't like, that will be it for me. I do want to try the chicken recipe Reggie did in his pilot, that looked delicious. Jen